Managed to get the backdrops installed along one of the 22 foot walls and one 12 foot end wall. I used Walthers' Instant Horizons. While not photo-realistic, they do add a nice appearance to the layout. Although, you can see the differences in the colors over the various printing runs.

The sawmill loop is laid as is most of the yard and service trackage.

Also got a start on the main peninsula. Just laying track out to see what fits where the best.

Now that I have begun construction, there is a pinch point that had to be addressed. The main line will need to loop back on itself instead of continuing onto the drop leaf. No big problem......just need to fudge things around somewhat.

Nice work , that "L" girder construction is very strong and " 2x2 " legs are strong enough for most reasonable loads . If I ever get started on a layout I am planning to use E-Z track for the main line but Atlas Code 100 for most everything else except for the power-lok track I have just to use it up. John II.

The main portion of track has been laid. There is now a complete loop in place and has been tested on straight DC. Now comes the fun part ...installing permanent wiring.

I have started soldering feeders and rail joints. The layout will get divided into at least 4 blocks. I made up a quick little switch panel with switched from the local discount hardware store. The SPST switches will be connected to one rail with the other being common throughout. The DPDT switch is for control of the programming track....one direction for "run" and the opposite for "program".

I will be using 14 gauge stranded wire for the busses and 18 gauge feeders. I think drawing some diagrams for future reference will be a good idea.....and best to do it now rather than trying to trace it all out, once installed.

Sid, awesome layout...I'd kill for that room and lighting. I love your trackwork. Your shining achievement is your magnificent benchwork...what an artist (too bad it will eventually be covered by scenery). My first impression of the early track plan was another spaghetti bowl design...I can clearly see how wrong I was.

Regarding the Atlas turntable: you don't need to do anything special to use the turntable with DCC (I got this information directly from the Atlas technical department). The turntable will reverse the polarity automatically. I have (actually had) that unit, with DCC, and it worked flawlessly.

A suggestion on your track feeds: to make them less noticeable, solder the lead closest to the layout edge on the inside of the rail and the other feed on the outside of the rail. This will place both feeds on the opposite side of the rail from an observer. I use #22 AWG solid core wire until it just comes out from beneath the plywood (or whatever) rail base. Using Scotch 'suitcase' connectors, I connect it to #16 AWG wire which then runs to the buses (#12 AWG). Another bit of advice is NOT to rely on rail joiners for electrical conductivity...better to solder a feed to each section of track. Yes, overkill - but you'll be running trains while others are troubleshooting their wiring. Oh, don't worry about soldering on the inside of the rail. Just tin both the rail and the wire and with minimal heat and very little solder the wire will attach and not interfere with passing wheels.